IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE!

The Federal Register announced the new FFO for the 2011 EDA Grant Applications! Why be so excited? This happens every year? What’s the all the hoopla about?  Why should I care?
It’s only the biggest change in funding processing in the history of the EDA!
Well maybe I have over stated it a little. But for those of us who have worked within the field of economic development and job creation we know about the best kept secret in the federal governments budget, the Economic Development Administration! This year we are promised a whole new world of grant processing.
The EDA is becoming the Speedy Gonzales of the federal grants program!“¡Andale! ¡Andale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Yii-hah!”
Highlights of the new Speedy turnaround process:
15 day turnaround preview of applications for technical and competitive merits, New Deadlines for quarterly funding cycles for Public Works,  Economic Adjustment Assistance and Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF).

December 15 for funding cycle 1;
March 10 for funding cycle 2;
June 10 for funding cycle 3;
September 15 for funding cycle 1 of FY 2012.Notification of the EDA’s decision for applicants is expected to be annonced within 20 business days of a funding cycle deadline.

In order for this new process to work applicants must be prepared to have a full application ready including the environmental requirements. In most cases that means an EIR sometimes an EIS but must importantly a FONSI.  The new grant process will add a great deal of cost to the front end of your project.  Along with speed comes preparedness. Maybe I should have gone with a scout theme?For details please refer to the Federal Register, October 14th, 2010.

Buena Suerte! Or you could increase your odds by hiring the firm with the 100% and over 20 year funding history with the EDA, ESSERGY Consulting!